GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has graduated 23 new recruits, two of which will be assigned to Genesee County.

The recruits completed the Michigan DNR conservation officer training and graduated Friday, June 13. The ceremony was held at the training academy in Lansing.

The 23 new officers will now begin 18 weeks of field training while partnered with experienced conservation officers in the counties where they have been assigned, according to a news release from the Michigan DNR. Officers Jeremy Beavers and Saykham Keophalychanh are assigned to Genesee County.

"These new officers will fill critical vacancies in areas of the state for natural resources protection, and in some rural areas, they will contribute to general law enforcement coverage," said DNR Director Keith Creagh in a statement. "Providing a safe recreation experience for our residents and visitors and enhanced public safety in our communities are top priorities for the DNR."

During training the recruits completed 22 weeks at the academy, including 14 weeks of required general law enforcement training and eight weeks of specialized conservation officer training, according to the release.

The academy and ongoing support for the graduates is funded in the DNR budget through a General Fund appropriation approved by the Legislature and Gov. Rick Snyder.